Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: THE HERD - Hour 1 - Shedeur Sanders is not being set up to fail, Caleb Williams feeling the pressure from Ben Johnson
Release Date: August 6, 2025

1. Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Strategy

Discussion Overview:
The episode opens with a heated debate about Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ young quarterback. Host Colin Cowherd, along with guests Joe Thomas and Devin McIntyre, delve into the controversial theory that Sanders is being intentionally set up to fail by the Cleveland Browns' management and coaching staff.

Key Points:

• Sabotage Theory:
  Joe Thomas posits that Shedeur Sanders' limited preparation time with the team’s primary receivers is a deliberate move to undermine his success. He compares Sanders’ situation to previous quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs and Baker Mayfield, who successfully performed with minimal practice time in new environments.

  "Shador Sanders has been with the Browns through OTAs, rookie mini camps, and training camp. He knows the playbook, the head coach, the coordinator, and his teammates. And because he only gets one practice with the ones, it's sabotage."
  (Timestamp: 05:00)

• Counterarguments:
  Colin counters the sabotage theory by highlighting that the Browns are currently dealing with multiple quarterback injuries, making flexibility a necessity rather than a strategic move against Sanders. He suggests that the organization may see potential in Sanders as a backup to secure future draft picks, rather than actively trying to hinder his performance.

  "There's absolutely no value in screwing over Shedeur Sanders. He may not be the future, but the perfect scenario actually is he plays kind of well, establishes himself as a backup."
  (Timestamp: 08:30)

• Comparative Analysis:
  The conversation includes comparisons to other quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs and Baker Mayfield, who thrived despite similar limited preparation periods. This comparison is used to question the validity of the sabotage claims against Sanders.

  "Josh Dobbs was acquired by the Minnesota Vikings and had to start and did not get a single practice... Baker Mayfield came to the Rams on a Tuesday, had to play Thursday against the Raiders."
  (Timestamp: 05:45)

2. Caleb Williams Under Pressure from Ben Johnson

Discussion Overview:
The focus shifts to Caleb Williams, another young quarterback facing scrutiny from his coach, Ben Johnson. The discussion revolves around Johnson’s critical comments on Williams' recent performances and the implications for Williams’ future with the team.

Key Points:

• Ben Johnson’s Critique:
  Ben Johnson openly criticized Caleb Williams, labeling his performances as "sloppy" and expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s current state. However, he simultaneously praised the backup quarterback, Tyson Bajan, highlighting his focus and preparation.

  "Ben Johnson said Sunday after Caleb Williams' performance, he said, 'We're sloppier than I'd want to be at this point.'"
  (Timestamp: 10:53)

• Implications of Public Criticism:
  Colin analyzes the duality of Johnson’s remarks, interpreting the praise for Bajan as an indirect jab at Williams. This raises concerns about the stability of Williams' position as the starting quarterback.

  "He's locked in, he's focused, he's preparing the right way. And I couldn't be more thrilled that he's here with us."
  (Timestamp: 11:00)

• Potential for Benching:
  Devin McIntyre brings up the possibility of Williams being benched before Halloween, questioning whether Johnson might ultimately decide to replace him if current trends continue.

  "Will Caleb be benched once before Halloween?"
  "I'm not gonna bet that I."
  (Timestamp: 14:32)

• Caleb Williams’ Performance History:
  The discussion touches on Williams' past issues with "hero ball"—aggressive playmaking that has led to poor mechanics and performance inconsistencies. Colin suggests that these bad habits have persisted into his professional career, exacerbated by inadequate coaching support.

  "Caleb style, and he got into some really bad habits... When you do hero ball, your mechanics struggle."
  (Timestamp: 15:54)

3. The Importance of Elite Coaching in Football

Discussion Overview:
A significant portion of the episode emphasizes the critical role of experienced and elite coaching in shaping successful football teams. Colin uses various examples to illustrate how investing in top-tier coaches can transform a team’s performance and culture.

Key Points:

• Investment in Coaching:
  Colin argues that spending money on proven coaches is essential for long-term success, citing figures like Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton, and Andy Reid as examples of how elite coaches can galvanize a team’s culture and performance.

  "You get cultural buy-in when you get a Sean Payton or you get a Jim Harbaugh... That's why you spend the money on a Jim Harbaugh or a John Harbaugh or an Andy Reid."
  (Timestamp: 40:28)

• Impact on Player Development:
  The conversation highlights how coaches like Ben Johnson are crucial in holding quarterbacks accountable and fostering the right environment for young players to develop their skills effectively.

  "Ben Johnson is holding him accountable. But I do think it's interesting, the wording used for the backup, Tyson Bajan. I just think the wording was fairly intentional."
  (Timestamp: 16:15)

• Analytics in Coaching Decisions:
  Colin discusses the use of analytics by coaches like Sean Payton to evaluate and draft quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions in modern football.

  "Sean Payton had developed his own analytics formula to try to judge processing speed of college quarterbacks... Bo Nix was by far the most efficient and it wasn't even close."
  (Timestamp: 40:28)

4. Additional Sports Topics

Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl Prospects:
The hosts express optimism about the Buffalo Bills' chances of winning the Super Bowl, despite their previous postseason defeats to the Kansas City Chiefs. They commend Josh Allen's performance, noting his impressive touchdown statistics.

"Josh Allen has accounted for the most total touchdowns in the league. 262 to Mahomes, 259... he's one of the three most talented quarterbacks in my entire life of watching football."
(Timestamp: 28:29)

Dallas Cowboys' Contract Negotiations:
Colin and Devin discuss the tension between Dallas Cowboys' star Micah Parsons and owner Jerry Jones regarding contract renegotiations. Colin defends management practices, while Devin argues that Parsons is being taken advantage of.

"If they agreed that you should have ethical values when it comes to that stuff... I've never had a boss back down."
(Timestamp: 32:46)

New York Giants' Future with Russell Wilson and Malik Neighbors:
The episode touches on the Giants' prospects with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and emerging talent Malik Neighbors. The hosts discuss the challenges posed by a tough early-season schedule and the potential for improved team dynamics.

"They have good relationship... they've got Malik working closely with him. But the biggest obstacle is their schedule... It's brutal."
(Timestamp: 35:21)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Thomas on Sabotage Theory:

  "Shador Sanders has been with the Browns through OTAs, rookie mini camps, and training camp. He knows the playbook, the head coach, the coordinator, and his teammates. And because he only gets one practice with the ones, it's sabotage."
  (05:00)

• Colin Cowherd Countering Sabotage:

  "There's absolutely no value in screwing over Shedeur Sanders. He may not be the future, but the perfect scenario actually is he plays kind of well, establishes himself as a backup."
  (08:30)

• Ben Johnson’s Criticism of Caleb Williams:

  "We're sloppier than I'd want to be at this point."
  (10:53)

• Colin on Ben Johnson’s Intentional Praise for Bajan:

  "He's locked in, he's focused, he's preparing the right way. And I couldn't be more thrilled that he's here with us."
  (11:00)

• Devin on Potential Benching:

  "Will Caleb be benched once before Halloween?"
  "I'm not gonna bet that I."
  (14:32)

• Colin on Caleb’s Bad Habits:

  "When you do hero ball, your mechanics struggle."
  (15:54)

• Colin on Investing in Coaching:

  "You get cultural buy-in when you get a Sean Payton or you get a Jim Harbaugh... That's why you spend the money on a Jim Harbaugh or a John Harbaugh or an Andy Reid."
  (40:28)

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics, reiterating the significance of coaching and management decisions in shaping team dynamics and player performances. Colin emphasizes the delicate balance teams must maintain in developing young talent while ensuring immediate competitive success.

Note:
This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and insights provided during the episode.